NEW YORK – Curtis Granderson (broken forearm) took two at-bats during an extended spring game on Wednesday, beginning his drive toward the 50-at-bat threshold he set as a requirement for his return to the Yankees.

The news encouraged manager Joe Girardi.

“The big thing to me is not so much the number,” he said before Wednesday’s game with Houston. “It’s that he feels that he’s ready.”

A few other notes:

1. Kevin Youkilis shed more light on his back injury: The MRI revealed a bulging disc and inflammation. He received an epidural to deal with the discomfort on Tuesday, and hopes he can return when his 15-day stint on the disabled list ends.